Overview
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when your pelvic organs (vagina, uterus, bladder, rectum) drop from their typical positions. It happens when your pelvic floor (the muscles, ligaments and tissues that support your pelvic organs) become too weak to hold your organs in place. Your pelvic floor supports the organs in your pelvis from underneath — almost like a hammock. If these supports become too loose, the organs they support shift out of place or sag into the vagina. Your pelvic floor can weaken due to things like childbirth or aging.
With mild cases of POP, your organs may drop slightly. In severe cases, they may extend outside your vagina and cause a bulge. People with a prolapse typically describe it as fullness or pressure in their vagina, as if something were falling out. Your exact symptoms will depend on what type of prolapse you have and how severe it is.
There are nonsurgical and surgical options to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Your healthcare provider can discuss what your options are based on your situation.
What are the different types of pelvic organ prolapse?
The type of prolapse you have depends on where the weaknesses are in your pelvic floor and what organs the weakness affects.
- Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (dropped bladder). Weakened pelvic floor muscles above your vagina can cause your bladder to slip out of place and bulge into your vagina. This type of prolapse is also called cystocele. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse is the most common type of POP.
- Urethrocele. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause your urethra to drop. A dropped urethra often accompanies a dropped bladder.
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse (rectocele). Weakened pelvic floor muscles between your vagina and rectum can cause your rectum to bulge onto the back wall of your vagina.
- Enterocele. Weakened muscles in your pelvis can cause your small intestine to bulge onto the back wall or the top of your vagina.
- Uterine prolapse (dropped uterus). A weakened pelvic floor can cause your uterus to drop down into your vaginal canal.
- Vaginal vault prolapse. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause the top part of your vagina (vaginal vault) to drop into your vaginal canal.
How common is pelvic organ prolapse?
Around 3% to 11% of people with a vagina experience POP. About 37% of people with pelvic floor disorders, including POP, are between ages 60 and 79. Over half are 80 or older.
These figures may not be exact because many people don’t seek treatment. Often, conditions that affect the genitals go untreated because people may feel embarrassed about their symptoms. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and many people have a form of pelvic organ prolapse.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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